Name: Honey and Orange Blossom Semolina Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups semolina flour; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup plain yogurt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon orange blossom water; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon orange zest

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This Honey and Orange Blossom Semolina Cake is a fragrant, moist, and delicately sweet dessert infused with aromatic orange blossom water and drizzled with warm honey syrup. With its rich texture and floral citrus notes, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea, Ramadan iftar, or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Moist Texture – The semolina flour gives the cake a slightly grainy yet tender and soft crumb.
Floral & Citrusy Flavor – Orange blossom water and honey create an exquisite aromatic taste.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, no complicated techniques, and minimal prep time.
Perfect for Special Occasions – A great dessert for Middle Eastern feasts, Ramadan, and Eid celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups semolina flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange blossom water

For the Syrup:

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon orange zest

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan with butter or oil.
In a medium bowl, whisk together semolina flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, yogurt, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

2. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Make the Honey Syrup

While the cake is baking, heat honey, water, and orange zest in a small saucepan over low heat.
Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.

4. Soak & Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm honey syrup over the top, allowing it to soak in.
Let the cake rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 290 kcal per slice

Variations

Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds on top for extra texture.
Rosewater Version – Swap orange blossom water for rosewater for a different floral touch.
Coconut Semolina Cake – Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
Spiced Honey Syrup – Infuse the syrup with a cinnamon stick or cardamom pods for warmth.
Chocolate Drizzle – Serve with melted white or dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the cake without the syrup for up to 2 months. Thaw and drizzle with fresh syrup before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh, just-baked texture.

FAQs

What does orange blossom water taste like?

Orange blossom water has a light floral and citrusy aroma, adding a delicate sweet and fragrant note to desserts.

Can I make this cake without orange blossom water?

Yes! Substitute with lemon zest or vanilla extract, though the floral aroma will be slightly different.

Can I use semolina only, without all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture will be denser and more crumbly. Adding a bit of all-purpose flour makes it lighter and softer.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?

Using yogurt and melted butter keeps the cake moist. Also, don’t overbake—check with a toothpick at 30 minutes.

What can I serve with this cake?

Pair it with a cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, but honey pairs best with the flavors of semolina and orange blossom water.

What’s the best way to drizzle the syrup evenly?

Use a spoon or pastry brush to distribute the syrup over the cake, ensuring it soaks in evenly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly version.

Do I need to refrigerate the honey syrup?

No, the honey syrup can be stored at room temperature for a few days.

Can I bake this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes! Just adjust the baking time to 40-45 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

This Honey and Orange Blossom Semolina Cake is an aromatic, tender, and irresistibly sweet dessert that captures the essence of Middle Eastern flavors. Whether served for iftar, afternoon tea, or as a holiday dessert, this cake is a must-try. Enjoy a slice of floral, honey-soaked goodness today!